Looking for the best areas to stay in Amsterdam? The Dutch capital is a city of contrasts where historic charm meets modern energy at every corner. With its iconic canals, art-filled museums, and buzzing neighborhoods, choosing where to stay can shape the way you experience the city.
Each district has its own unique rhythm: some are quiet and picturesque, while others are lively and full of movement. The city's compact size and good public transport make it easy to explore, but the right base can bring everything closer. From canal-side walks to local markets and vibrant nightlife, the neighborhood you choose adds color to your trip. Let's take a closer look at the top areas to help you find your Amsterdam home.
1. Centrum
Centrum isn't exactly known for being undiscovered or for having few visitors. However, that's all right because it's well-known for being easily accessible, incredibly charming and lovely, and boasting some of the best shopping in the city. The area around Spui Square offers a fantastic American bookstore, and you may also explore the Begijnhof, a well-known medieval street.
This region also boasts an abundance of excellent restaurants, luxury hotels, and accommodation options to try. There are also two great bakeries near Spui: Van Stapele Koekmakerij, renowned for its luscious chocolate biscuits, and Lanskroon Bakery, offering superb stroopwafels and speculaas. You'll like the entire street, including The Sandwich Bar, which serves basic and traditional but fantastic Dutch sandwiches known as broodjes. Studio apartments in Centrum typically cost $ 1,500 per month.
2. Oost
This is one of the best areas to stay in Amsterdam. Throughout Oost, especially along Javastraat, the neighborhood's main area, incredibly stylish bars and boutiques coexist with ethnic food vendors and a variety of other strange and interesting shops. You can get freshly baked pastries at Majesteit Taart, water at Rum Barrel or Bar Basquiat, and then explore the Dappermarkt marketplace. Louie Louie or Wilde Zwijnen is renowned for its excellent food, drinks, and wine, while Boi Boi is recognized for serving the finest Thai food in town. Wakuli is a wonderful spot for coffee enthusiasts, while Drovers Dog is ideal for brunch.
Explore the lovely Oosterpark or Flevopark, which is home to Proeflokaal ‘t Nieuwe Diep, one of the greatest spots to sample real genever. There is also an abundance of natural space here. Bradwolff Projects features experimental and contemporary work. The Wereldmuseum (previously the Tropen), a large ethnographic museum, contains several interesting permanent exhibitions.
Residents can dance away their stress at Canvas, the rooftop bar and restaurant, and their subterranean club, Doka. They can also attend a performance at Q-Factory or join the fashionable throng that fills Bar Bukowski, which is a tribute to the well-known partygoer himself. Studio apartments in Oost typically cost $1,200.
3. The Old Center
If you stay in the Old Centre, you'll be close to Amsterdam's major attractions as well as the central retail and nightlife districts. It’s one of the best areas to stay in Amsterdam. Many first-time tourists consider this neighborhood the best spot to stay in Amsterdam due to its convenient location and wide range of affordable accommodation options. If money is tight, here is where you should look first. Some may be turned off by the proximity to the red light district; however, Spuistraat is also nearby and is one of the wonderful shopping streets to explore. Studio apartments in the old center typically cost $1,500.
4. Oud West
Moving away from the bustling tourist scene, you will encounter another (slightly less frantic) tourist scene. However, with prices in the canal rings skyrocketing, budget travelers should consider taking a short stroll out of town to this central location. Not only are the lodging costs far lower, but the quality is also far superior.
You essentially receive a lot more value for your money. So, it's the most affordable place to stay in Amsterdam. Actually, a collection of districts, Oud Zuid (South), is home to the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum in the Museum Quarter. Studio apartments in Oud West typically cost $ 1,000 per month.
5. Binnenstad
If this is your first visit to Amsterdam, the nicest neighborhood is, without a doubt, the Binnenstad, located in the city center. It’s one of the best areas to stay in Amsterdam. Everything is within walking distance, and you can easily access the main tourist sites, such as Dam Square, the opulent Royal Palace, and the shopping areas of Kalverstraat and Nieuwendijk.
The city's red-light districts, De Wallen and the Singel Canal, offer the best nightlife. Chinatown, a vibrant neighborhood brimming with eateries featuring an Asian flair, temples, flower markets, traditional hotels, and small shops, is located adjacent to the well-known neighborhood that has come to represent Amsterdam itself.
As a popular tourist destination, you have numerous modern hotels to choose from, ranging from exquisite and more expensive options to lower-cost accommodations. Many hostels and cheap hotels surround the red-light district, which is noisy and frequently disturbed in the evening, making it unsuitable for families. Studio apartments in Binnenstad typically cost $1,500 monthly.
6. De Pijp
The Oud Zuid neighborhood includes the De Pijp and Museumkwartier districts. Situated in the southern region of Amsterdam, the “Latin Quarter” is a vibrant, multi-ethnic neighborhood teeming with eateries, coffee shops, boutique hotels, and pubs. It is unquestionably the most vibrant and popular neighborhood among youth.
The Albert Cuyp Market, which is in the heart of the neighborhood, and the Heineken Experience, which features a beer museum in the former Heineken factory, are two of the most well-known attractions. De Pijp is ideal for those who wish to move away from the more touristy districts and socialize with locals while remaining close to the city, which is just a 15-minute walk away. It is also a reasonably priced neighborhood to stay in, with options ranging from apartments to high-end hotels. Studio apartments in De Pijp typically cost $1,400 monthly.
7. Jordaan
Jordaan is near the heart of Amsterdam, yet its typical village-like air makes it feel much further away. It's among the best areas to stay in Amsterdam. It's an excellent alternative for couples looking for a tranquil and authentic stay in Amsterdam. Although it gives you a nice getaway, it's still very accessible to all you want to see and do in Amsterdam. This perfect location is filled with narrow streets, train stations, antique shops, best-rated hotels, outdoor markets, and historic buildings.
Once a working-class district, Jordaan is now one of Amsterdam's hippest areas and a great place to stay. The local music scene, unique dining options, friendly hotels, vintage shops, and art galleries all contribute to the area's allure. However, there is limited housing available in this area. But that makes the place feel much more exclusive. Jordaan is essentially a solid choice. Studio apartments in the Jordaan typically cost $1,200 per month.
8. Leidseplein
Leidseplein is a small suburb next to the Museumkwartier. Young people would love this neighborhood because it has a vibrant nightlife without the expensive prices of Binnenstad! The Holland Casino, the Hard Rock Hotel Amsterdam, and several live music venues are located here. Leidseplein Square is the district's center.
You can easily access the center and main attractions if you stay in this neighborhood. Trams 2 and 12 travel to the Amsterdam Dam stop from Leidseplein in 6 minutes. There are various residential buildings here, so you're spoiled for options. Studio apartments in Leidseplein typically cost $1,800.
9. Noord
This area, just 5 minutes over the IJ from the city's main tourist center, is one of Amsterdam's coolest and most inventive. It’s also one of the best areas to stay in Amsterdam. Noord has maintained its gritty, bohemian charm while being transformed by innovative chefs, digital start-ups, and edgy artists. Hip vegan eateries, pop-up breweries, and cutting-edge art are now housed in brick warehouses, metal prefabs, and ancient shipping containers.
A walk down the coastline will take you past the spectacular EYE Filmmuseum, the A'DAM tower (home to Europe's tallest swing), and the Tolhuistuin Cultural Center, which hosts performances and classical concerts. Many restaurants make use of the aquatic vistas and canal views (Hanger, Hotel de Goudfazant, Lowlander). At the same time, beer enthusiasts have plenty of options with tap rooms at Walhalla Brewery and Oedipus Brewing.
Those seeking excitement and adventure can indulge their inner child at WONDR or study art and technology at Nxt Museum, whilst a stroll down Nieuwendammerdijk, one of the city's oldest and most scenic avenues, is a more refined pursuit. Studio apartments in Noord typically cost $2,000 monthly.
10. Westerpark
The Westerpark neighborhood is one of the greenest in the city, taking its name from the largest park in the area. The neighborhood is situated north of Oud-West and just west of the Jordaan, making it slightly outside the center. Starting with the neighborhood's name, Westerpark is not just an excellent green space; it also houses Westergasfabriek, a large cultural complex featuring restaurants, food trucks, luxurious hotels, a cinema, and other amenities.
You'll enjoy the Troost Brewery, which boasts an entirely vegetarian menu that is both satisfying and excellent, even for meat-eaters.IJscuypje Westergasfabriek is also a fantastic place to get ice cream if you're looking for a treat afterward. Studio apartments in Westerpark typically cost $ 1,600 per month.
11. Grachtengordel/ De 9 Straatjes
In general, Grachtengordel is the central part of canals in the heart of Amsterdam, and De 9 Straatjes, or “Nine Streets,” is a very small portion of that larger neighborhood, referring to a block of three by three streets in the middle of the Canal Belt. The canals constructed in the 17th century as an extension to the old town—basically the area around the Red Light District and Dam Square today—are referred to as the larger neighborhood. “In general, the neighborhood's northwest section, which is closest to Centraal Station and the Jordaan, is its most romantic and picturesque part.
The neighborhood becomes less appealing as you approach east and south, although there are more lodging options (particularly in the region sandwiched between Centrum, De Pijp, and Museumplein). There aren't many hotels in this part of the city, which will be a significant problem. Because it was a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2010, modernizing and expanding the old structures here is very hard. Development is so challenging because hotels in this area are practically forced to maintain their current appearance and footprint. However, since many of Amsterdam's most lavish hotels are located in this area, you can't go wrong staying here if you're searching for a unique experience. Studio apartments here typically cost $2,000 per month.
12. Museumplein
This is one of the best areas to stay in Amsterdam. Trams from the Museumplein travel in all directions, taking you in 15 minutes to destinations like Dam Square and Amsterdam Centraal. Additionally, depending on traffic, a bus (bus 397) from the airport will get you from the arrivals place to Museumplein in around 15 to 20 minutes.
This is a fantastic choice if you want a convenient location without having to pay extra to stay directly on the canals. Although it is less expensive than the Grachtengordel or the Jordaan, it is not the most expensive area of the city, but the central position will be beneficial for city exploration. You can always go to the Van Gogh Museum and the famous Rijksmuseum in 5 to 10 minutes if you stay here. Studio apartments in Museumplein typically cost $1,500 per month.
13. Oud Zuid
Oud-Zuid is located between Vondelpark and De Pijp and is best known for its museum quarter. This is the location of the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, the Moco Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Stedelijk Museum of Modern Art. Even if you do not intend to visit these places, the renowned Amsterdam letters can be found in Oud-Zuid, and Museumplein is a wonderful green area to unwind after a long day of sightseeing. You can also get some adorable earrings at the monthly design market, which takes place here on the third Sunday. Regarding dining options, you will like Lillie Wine Rebel and Batoni Khinkali, a gourmet-looking Georgian eatery. Studio apartments in Oud Zuid typically cost $1,400 per month.
14. Dam Square
The neighborhood surrounding Dam Square is the historic center of Amsterdam and is home to the Royal Palace. It's one of the best areas to stay in Amsterdam. The Central Station is only a ten-minute walk away, while the Museum District is twenty minutes away. A few steps to the east is the Red Light District, and a few blocks to the west is the well-known 9 Streets neighborhood, which is centered around the most picturesque canals.
This is as central as it gets if you're seeking the most excellent place to stay in Amsterdam that's close to everything. From here, it's easy to stroll to all the major tourist attractions. The largest department stores and Amsterdam's main shopping avenues are located in this region as well. Some of Amsterdam's most opulent hotels are situated on Dam Square. This is not the cheapest place to stay in Amsterdam. However, there are accommodations for all budgets available in this area of the city. Studio apartments in Dam Square typically cost $1,500 per month.
15. Eastern Docklands & North Riverside
North Riverside is a rapidly rising residential area located across the IJ River north of Amsterdam's historic old center, best known for the A'DAM Tower (which offers unrivaled 360° views of the city). Eastern Docklands is closer to the city center and the NEMO Science attraction (the finest attraction for families with children). Pedestrian bridges connect Eastern Docklands to the center, while passenger ferries transport visitors to the Northern Riverside.
These ferries run every few minutes and are free. They operate from a number of places directly behind Central Station. It only takes a minute or two to cross to the opposite side. This is one of the most budget-friendly places to stay in Amsterdam. If you want bright modern hotels with a certain amount of comfort, this is a much better value for money option than the historic old town. The biggest downside of staying here is that you are a little further away from the activity. Thus, it will take longer to get to the city's main attractions. There are fewer restaurants. Depending on the particular location of your accommodation, you should expect to walk a lot more. Studio apartments here typically cost $1,500 per month.
Conclusion
The best areas to stay in Amsterdam each offer a unique way to experience the city, whether you're after peaceful canals, buzzing nightlife, or local street culture. Amsterdam's charm lies in its variety, and the neighborhood you choose will shape your memories. Take your time, consider what matters most to you, and pick the area that fits your rhythm. No matter where you land, Amsterdam will make your stay unforgettable.
